Random thoughts of a Preacher and Musician

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Tom O’ Gorman

I am writing this with a very heavy heart. We have lost a lovely, gentle, fun-loving man in Tom O’Gorman. There has already been a lot of coverage in the Irish media of the dreadful way in which he died – I am not going to comment on that.

Instead, I would like to pay a brief tribute to Tom. I only knew him for a short time, but I came to regard him as a friend. He was very passionate about his beliefs regarding faith and ethics, and argued strongly for them. He also had strong views on sport. We had many conversations about international rugby and Premier league soccer, and he was forced to agree with me that Wales were the best team last Spring, and really did deserve to win the six nations. We never could agree on the subject of Liverpool FC, though 🙂

Even though he was very definite in his beliefs, Tom always expressed them with graciousness. There was never any malice or attempt at point scoring. He was not interested in just winning an argument for the sake of it. His faith in God was strong and clear, and informed his views on ethical issues. Although many would disagree with the stance that he and the Iona Institute he worked for took, they would have to acknowledge that he had carefully thought through his position and expressed it well.

He also had a great sense of humour and did some really great impressions. It was always fun to be in his company, whatever we were discussing it would not be long before he would say something witty and clever.

I was really shocked and saddened to hear of his death yesterday. Even though I only knew him for a brief time, I shall miss meeting up with him and discussing matters of faith and sport. it is a comfort to know that he is now with the Lord whom he served.